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117-501: Super returned as a performance trim level on V8-powered LaCrosse and Lucerne sedans from 2008 until 2011. Originally the Series 50 had a 331.4 cu in (5,431 cc) Buick Straight-6 engine developing 99 bhp of power at 2,800 rpm, and Buick manufactured 28,204 cars. In 1930 all Buicks were installed with the all-new Straight-eight, and the 1931 the model remained almost unchanged, aside from minor appearance changes. With

234-447: A convertible top. Often the driver is separated from the rear passengers with a partition, as per a limousine . In the second half of the 20th century, landaulets were used by public figures (such as heads of state) in formal processions. They are now rarely used, for fear of terrorist attacks. Victoria-Cabriolet: reminiscent of the victoria carriage style , a three-position convertible. No rear side windows and equipped with

351-783: A 0–60 mph time of 5.7 seconds. The Super used the heavier duty 4T65-E HD four-speed automatic transmission, magnetically sensitive variable-effort power steering (marketed as Magnasteer ), and a steering rack with closer-fitting gear teeth, tighter bushings, and a stiffer torsion rod controlling the variable-effort power assist. Chassis tuning featured Bilstein mono-tube struts; larger rotors at all four disc brakes; full-range, powertrain- and brake-modulated traction control ; revised suspension tuning with standard electronic stability control , marketed as Stabilitrak ; dual exhaust with two 3.5-inch chrome tips; and 18-inch cast aluminum wheels with P235/50R18 all-season tires. The exterior featured Buick's hallmark fender-mounted VentiPorts ;

468-614: A 2005 model, replacing the Century and Regal—solely as a four-door, front-drive sedan. The nameplate was borrowed from the 2000 Buick concept of the same name. Using the MS2000 variant of GM's long-lived front-drive W-body platform, the LaCrosse was initially available with two powerplants and three trim levels: a 3.8 L 3800 Series III V6 available in CX and mid-level CXL, and

585-700: A 3.6 L HFV6 V6 in the CXS model. The CXS was replaced by the LaCrosse Super sub-model in North American markets, with the CXS available partly through model year 2008. Sales of the CXS continued in Canada until January 1, 2008. Structurally, the engine cradle, previously steel, was replaced by a stiffer, stronger, and lighter extruded aluminum cradle, weighing 20 pounds less. The LaCrosse used more high-strength steel than its predecessors, as well as

702-563: A blue-faced instrument cluster with Super badging, dark faux chestnut wood trim, enhanced front seatback bolstering, split fold-down rear seats, redundant steering wheel–mounted radio and cruise controls, leather seating surfaces with inserts embossed to mimic woven leather (marketed as Dream Weave ), heated front seats, remote start, premium sound system with nine speakers (marketed as Concert III ), OnStar, and optional Bluetooth wireless technology. Upholstery colors were Platinum (light beige) and Mocha Brown (dark brown). The 2008 base price for

819-681: A convertible body style in its 1982 lines that was based on the K-Car . These models were the LeBaron , produced under Chrysler, and the 400 , manufactured under Dodge . Ford reintroduced a convertible Mustang for 1983, while American Motors Corporation (AMC) added a convertible version of the Renault Alliance in 1984. In 1989, Mazda released the first generation Mazda MX-5 (called "Miata" in North America), which has become

936-521: A descending swage line (featured on Buicks starting in 1940 and sporadically until the 1970s) and front fender port holes. Unique features included a removable rear roof and trunk panel (converting the trunk into a truck bed) and voice recognition instead of traditional switches for basic interior functions. The Buick LaCrosse concept was based on the GM G body shared with the Buick Park Avenue. As

1053-430: A fixed roof and the passenger compartment has a folding roof. Less expensive cars, such as the runabouts , sporting roadsters , or sturdy touring cars , remained either completely open air or were fitted with a rudimentary folding top and detachable clear side curtains. In the 1920s, when steel bodies began to be mass-produced, closed cars became available to the average buyer, and fully open cars began to disappear from

1170-467: A folding top, capable of seating two persons"; however, the term is also used to describe other convertibles. In the United Kingdom, the historical term for a two-door convertible is drophead coupé, and a four-door convertible was called an all-weather tourer . Most of the early automobiles were open-air vehicles without any roof or sides. As car engines became more powerful by the end of

1287-400: A front suspension design, marketed as HiPer Strut , designed to improve ride and handling while reducing torque steer . The Buick LaCrosse CXS included a system marketed as Real Time Damping that adjusts the damping forces of the shocks and struts for improved ride and handling. The 2010, 2012, and 2013 models lacked an interior trunk release mechanism. The trunk was only accessible using

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1404-404: A full length " Sweepspear " chrome body side molding. This chrome-plated strip started above the front wheel, after which it gently curved down nearly to the rocker panel just before the rear wheel, and then curved around the rear wheel in a quarter of a circle to go straight back to the taillight. Series script was found on the deck lid and within the steering wheel center. The long wheelbase sedan

1521-490: A heating duct to the neck area of the seat, which is often called an "Air Scarf". Examples of cars with this feature include Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class , Mercedes-Benz SL-Class , and Audi A5 / S5 . Modern safety features specifically for convertibles include: Convertibles have offered numerous iterations that fall between the first mechanically simple fabric tops to complex retractable roofs made from hard materials: Roadster: A roadster (also called spider or spyder )

1638-531: A lower stack height offer a smoother silhouette for the car with the top down while concealed side rails allow room for three passengers in the back seat such as on the 1967 Rambler Rebel convertible. Rigid removable hardtops, many of which can be stored in a car's trunk/boot, have been available at least since the 1950s. These usually provide greater weatherproofing, soundproofing, and durability compared to fabric-based tops; some are available with integrated rear-window defrosters and windscreens. Examples include

1755-430: A magnesium cross-car beam behind the instrument panel, another cross-car beam behind the rear seats, steel reinforcements in the rocker panels, interlocking door latch system, high-strength steel door beams, and a double-thick Quiet Steel floor pan and firewalls. CX and CXL models used the 4T65-E automatic transmission and Super models used the 4T65-E HD variant. The LaCrosse, along with all other GM vehicles powered by

1872-435: A metal or plastic roof is manually removed and often stored in the trunk ). Other terms for convertibles include cabriolet, cabrio, drop top, drophead coupé, open two-seater, open top, rag top, soft top, spider, and spyder, although companies use many of these terms interchangeably. Thus, nomenclatural consistency is rare. The term cabriolet originated from a carriage cabriolet : "a light, two-wheeled, one-horse carriage with

1989-399: A new approach to allow the transmission to "free-wheel" and no clutch shifting between second and third gear called "Wizard Control". In 1933, the aesthetics of all Buicks were updated with a new, corporate "streamlined" appearance shared with all GM cars for that year due to GM's Art and Color Studio headed by Harley Earl , and additional manufacturing locations opened across the country under

2106-538: A power top, seat and windows as standard equipment. Dynaflow automatic transmission was now optional equipment on Supers in 1949. Cars so equipped had 6.9:1 compression ratio and 120 horsepower. Total sales set a record at 190,514 for the first time since the Super's introductory year. The instrument panel was new. The 1950 Supers shared with all the other series totally new all bumper guard grille and more rounded styling. Super script appeared on front fenders just above

2223-518: A revised front fascia incorporating the larger and more pronounced 2008 upper grille (recalling Buick's Velite concept), lower grille chrome trim with chrome bezels for projector beam fog lights, revised side rocker moldings, a very small deck-mounted rear spoiler, and a revised rear fascia with integrated parking sensors . Exterior color choices were brown, black, red, and silver—marketed as Mocha Brown Metallic , Black Onyx , Red Jewel Tincoat , and Platinum Metallic . Interior features included

2340-406: A single two-barrel carburetor on a new higher displacement 263 cu in (4.3 L) Fireball I8 which produced 112 hp (84 kW). It was able to achieve speeds over 90 miles per hour (140 km/h) with an optional Dynaflow automatic transmission which, rather than changing through gears, used the torque converter to couple the motor to a single gear ratio. The car had two splits in

2457-658: A six-speed automatic transmission) was unveiled at the 2010 Busan International Motor Show. Production began on August 9, 2010, at GM Daewoo's factory in Bupyeong , Incheon. Market launch began in September 2010. Early models included one with a 3.0-liter engine (from the 2010 Buick LaCrosse) in mid-September, followed by two models each with a 2.4-liter engine in October. The Alpheon was discontinued in 2015, after monthly sales fell below 500 cars. GM Korea replaced it with

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2574-404: A smoother, quieter and more grown-up demeanor. The Super's LS4 5.3 L V8 engine made 300 hp (224 kW) and 323 lb⋅ft (438 N⋅m), used premium fuel, and featured variable displacement technology (marketed as Active Fuel Management ), capable of deactivating four of its eight cylinders to save fuel. It was noted for its factory top speed of 150 mph (240 km/h) and

2691-482: A solution. Rear windows are often part of the roof assembly. Traditionally, the rear window in a soft-top was made from plastic; however, more recently some convertibles have used glass for the rear window. A windblocker or wind deflector minimizes noise and rushing air reaching the occupants. According to the engineer responsible for the 2008 Chrysler Sebring , its windblocker reduces wind noise by approximately 11 to 12 dB . Several convertibles are available with

2808-414: A top layer made of PVC, which has a specific structure depending on the vehicle model, and a lower layer made of fabric (usually cotton). The collapsible textile roof section over an articulated folding frame may include linings such as a sound-deadening layer and/or an interior cosmetic lining, to hide the frame. The folded convertible mechanism with the top is called the stack. Designs that fold down to

2925-549: Is a four-door, front-wheel-drive sedan manufactured by Buick since model year 2005, and marketed variously across four generations for the North American and Chinese markets. The first-generation LaCrosse replaced the Century and Regal in North America beginning for model year 2005 as a five- or six-passenger, four-door, front-wheel-drive, V6-powered sedan using GM's mid-size W platform —and marketed in Canada as

3042-637: Is also manufactured in Taiwan by a joint Yulon –GM venture. In 2008, Shanghai GM introduced a mild hybrid system on the LaCrosse. Using the Belt Alternator Starter system, it is the first hybrid vehicle in the Chinese market as well as the first hybrid in its segment. Launched at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, the second-generation Buick LaCrosse

3159-422: Is an open two-seat car with emphasis on sporting appearance or character. Initially, an American term for a two-seat car with no weather protection, usage has spread internationally and has evolved to include two-seat convertibles. Cabrio coach: A cabrio coach (also called semi-convertible ) has a retractable textile roof, similar to a traditional convertible. The difference is that a convertible often has

3276-459: The B-pillar , C-pillar and other bodywork removed. However, the cabrio-coach retains all bodywork to the top of the door frames and just replaces the roof skin with a retractable fabric panel. An advantage of a cabrio coach is that retaining more of the car's original structure means that structural rigidity is higher (or the vehicle weight is lower) than traditional cabriolets. An example of

3393-554: The Buick Allure . Notably, the first generation was also offered with a V8 engine, as a high-performance sub-model marketed as the LaCrosse Super (2008–2009). LaCrosse production and marketing began for China with model year 2006. The second-generation LaCrosse was introduced for 2010 as a larger premium sedan for North American and Chinese markets using a long-wheelbase (LWB) variant of the Epsilon II platform shared with

3510-622: The Buick-Oldsmobile-Pontiac Assembly Division . 1933 was the first year all GM vehicles were installed with optional vent windows which were initially called “No Draft Individually Controlled Ventilation” later renamed "Ventiplanes" which the patent application was filed on Nov. 28, 1932. It was assigned to the Ternstedt Manufacturing Company, a GM subsidiary that manufactured components for Fisher Body The power delivered by

3627-618: The Cadillac XTS —and available solely as a five-passenger sedan with a range of four- and six-cylinder engines. The third generation was introduced for North America and China for model year 2017 using the GM Epsilon platform shared with the Chevrolet Impala , notably offering a mild hybrid powertrain combining 20-kilowatt (27 hp) electric and 2.5-liter Ecotec gasoline engine. North American production ended with

Buick Super - Misplaced Pages Continue

3744-568: The Cadillac XTS . The design was based on 2008 Buick Invicta concept, and replaces both the Chinese and North American models. The final design work was carried out at the GM design center in Warren, Michigan. The LaCrosse was marketed in Mexico starting in 2010, as the Buick brand returned to the country after 13 years. The 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder replaced the 3.0L V6 as the standard engine on

3861-606: The Chevrolet Impala . The Roewe 950 was a licensed restyled Chinese version of the Buick LaCrosse produced by Roewe of SAIC . It was sold alongside the Buick LaCrosse in China, and had a price range similar to that of the LaCrosse. The sheet metal, while similar in appearance, was unique to the Roewe. In late February 2012, the Chinese government removed the Buick LaCrosse (along with all other foreign vehicles) from

3978-476: The Ford Thunderbird (1st-generation and 11th-generation), Mercedes SL (2nd-generation and 3rd-generation), Porsche Boxster , Jeep Wrangler , Ford Mustang Cobra (1995 Only), and Mazda MX-5 . During the 1950s and 1960s, detachable hard-material roofs were offered for various convertible sports cars and roadsters , including the 1955–1957 Ford Thunderbird and Chevrolet Corvette , as well as

4095-667: The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Peugeot presented a concept four-door retractable hardtop convertible, the Peugeot 407 Macarena in 2006. Produced by French coachbuilding specialist Heuliez , the Macarena's top can be folded in 60 seconds, with a steel reinforcing beam behind the front seats incorporating LCD screens for the rear passengers into the crossmember. Off-road: Several off-road vehicles have been produced with removable soft tops. Examples include

4212-537: The Jeep Wrangler , Suzuki Vitara , Suzuki Jimny , Ford Bronco , Land Rover Defender , Mercedes-Benz G-Class as well as early models of the Toyota Land Cruiser and Land Rover Defender . Typically, the soft tops attach to the roll cage or to the installation points on the vehicle's body. Landaulet: A landaulet (also known as landaulette ) is where the rear passengers are covered by

4329-630: The Nissan Figaro (1991), the Jaguar XJ-S C (1983) as well as the 1957 Fiat 500 and its 2007 Fiat 500 successor. The 1984 Heuliez-designed Citroën Visa Décapotable used elements of a fixed-profile convertible. Four-door: Most convertibles have two doors. However, four-door convertibles have been mass-produced. Examples include the 1940-41 Cadillac Series 62 , 1931 Chrysler Imperial Dual Cowl Phaeton and 1961-67 Lincoln Continental . Current production four-door convertibles include

4446-478: The Packard Caribbean , Oldsmobile 98 , and Imperial by Chrysler. Automakers often included a convertible body style as an available body style in a model range. Convertibles in the U.S. market peaked in sales around 1965, and fell in popularity over the next five years. Optional air conditioning was gradually becoming more popular, and the availability of sunroofs and T-tops limited the appeal of

4563-620: The Roadmaster . Interiors were nylon and were plainer than in the Roadmaster. In 1953 The Buick-Berle Show introduced product placement commercials on TV, and later in 1955 The Honeymooners was one of the sponsors. The Buick Super has a design resembling the 1955 Buick Century and Buick Century Riviera hardtop and the Ventiports were updated to four on each fender denoting its upgrade to senior level status. The Super did have

4680-661: The Series 70 Roadmaster , the Cadillac Series 62 , the Oldsmobile Series 90 , and the Pontiac Custom Torpedo , and offered shoulder and hip room that was over 5" wider over the previous year, eliminating the exterior running boards and styling that was streamlined and 2-3" lower. The Super offered approximately the same level of passenger accommodation, engine performance and luxury appearance as

4797-591: The Targa top versions of the AMC Concord and Eagle "Sundancer" as well as the Toyota Celica "Sunchaser" as specialty models. American Sunroof Company (ASC), which was responsible for popularizing the sunroof option for regular body styles, converted a Buick Riviera into a full convertible that compelled General Motors to market it as part of the 1982 Buick models. Chrysler Corporation also introduced

Buick Super - Misplaced Pages Continue

4914-779: The convertible . Side trim was similar to lesser series, except for the Super lettering on the rear fender flashes, but Supers were longer than the Series 40 Specials and Series 60 Centurys . The Super name was also lettered across the deck lid. Standard equipment included Variable-Pitch Dynaflow , power steering, power brakes, a safety-cushion instrument panel, fully carpeted floor, courtesy lights, full wheelcovers, foam rubber cushions, electric clocks, dual horns, ignition key light, glovebox, cigar lighter, trip mileage indicator, geared vent panes, bumper guards, variable speed wipers, Step-On parking brakes, and, on convertibles, an outside rearview mirror. Interiors were trimmed with gray cloth and vinyl or "Cordaveen" and vinyl. A plusher Custom interior

5031-654: The 182 hp 2.4L 4-cylinder, the BAS-II system allows for engine start/stop operation when the vehicle is not moving and allows for complete fuel cutoff to the engine during deceleration. The second-generation LaCrosse debuted to the Canadian market at the 2009 Montreal International Auto Show as the Buick Allure, and soon after production began, General Motors Canada renamed the Allure to LaCrosse, to correspond with

5148-526: The 1942 Buicks were completed on February 4, 1942. Only 33,034 Supers were built in the abbreviated model year. In 1946 Buick once again combined the large Series 70 Roadmaster body with the economical Series 40 Special powerplant to create the Series 50 Super line. Basic styling was continued from 1942 now sedans had the front fender sweep across the doors to the rear fenders as did the Sedanet and convertible styles. A stamped grille with vertical bars dominated

5265-399: The 1963–1971 Mercedes-Benz W113 series of two-seaters. Because the convertible top mechanism is itself expensive, the hard roof was customarily offered as an additional, extra-cost option. On early Thunderbirds (and Corvettes through 1967), buyers could choose between a detachable hardtop and a folding canvas top at no additional cost, but paid extra for both. The metal-framed " Carson top "

5382-411: The 19th century, folding textile or leather roofs (as had been used on victoria or landau carriages) began to appear on cars. Examples of early cars with roofs include the phaeton (a two-seat car with a temporary roof), the brougham or a coupé de ville , having an enclosed passenger compartment at the rear, while the driver sat in front either in the open, or the landaulet , where the driver has

5499-404: The 3.8 L V6, became the first SULEV -compliant vehicles for 2006. All models were manufactured at GM Oshawa Assembly . Front driver and passenger airbags were standard, with optional side curtain airbags — which became standard for model year 2006. All LaCrosse models featured an acoustic package, marketed by Buick as QuietTuning , to reduce, block, and absorb cabin noise. Features of

5616-399: The 4-door Convertible Phaeton. The basic formula for the 1940 to 1952 Super was established by mating the Series 80 Roadmaster's longer wheelbase to the Series 40 Special 's smaller displacement straight-eight engine . This led to an economical combination of voluminous passenger room and relatively good fuel economy. In contrast the Series 60 Century combined the shorter Special body with

5733-527: The Buick nameplate, the term lacrosse refers to the sport . Out of caution, GM chose to market the model in Canada as the Allure because the words " faire la crosse (make the cross) " are a slang Québecoise phrase meaning "to masturbate"—even though the words la crosse themselves translate as "the cross" in French and are not generally problematic. The first generation LaCrosse debuted in late 2004 as

5850-528: The CX model in the first quarter of 2010. The 3.6L V6 continues to be an option on the CX and front-wheel-drive CXL and standard on the CXS and all-wheel-drive CXL. All V6 models are equipped with the Hydra-Matic 6T70 6-speed automatic transmission. The New York Times said the new LaCrosse combined design elements from classic American cars of the 1930s and 1950s with traditional Chinese aesthetic elements: U.S. News & World Report aggregated

5967-567: The LaCrosse Super was $ 32,820 (equivalent to $ 48,227 in 2023), which rose to $ 33,805 for 2009. Assembled alongside other LaCrosse models at GM's Oshawa Car Assembly Plant 2, sales reached 2,277 for 2008 and 139 for 2009. The LaCrosse received a Good overall score in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety 's frontal impact crash test and a Marginal overall rating in the side impact test. Injury measurements for

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6084-465: The Roadmaster. The sales brochure noted that VentiPorts helped ventilate the engine compartment, and possibly that was true in early 1949, but sometime during the model year they became plugged. The idea for VentiPorts grew out of a modification Buick styling chief Ned Nickles had added to his own 1948 Roadmaster. He had installed four amber lights on each side of his car’s hood wired to the distributor so as to flash on and off as each piston fired simulating

6201-470: The Series 40 with three VentiPorts per fender and Sweepspear rocker panel trim. Super script appeared on the rear fenders aided identification. The Super was built with the larger C-body , however. The full flowing fenderline dipped deeper on this body and rear fenders had a rear crest line absent on the B-body Specials . A new deck lid gave a more squared off appearance. Like other Buick series it

6318-429: The Super an American favorite in 1947. The Super was little changed from its 1946 counterpart, except for new stamped grille that had separate upper bar and new emblem. Stainless lower body moldings made a single line along the body and continued onto the standard wheelhouse shields. A white Tenite steering wheel was standard while the instruments were round and set into a two-toned dash panel. Exterior series identification

6435-598: The Super emblem. Compound Carburetion was eliminated and the compression ratio was reduced to 6.30:1. As a consequence the 1946 Super's horsepower fell from 125 to 110. Torque on the other hand was hardly affected. The number of body styles increased to four with the return of the Estate wagon after a six year absence. A total of 119,334 units were sold. The front suspension was independent with coil springs. 76.98% of Buick sales this year were Supers. Combining big Roadmaster room with an economical Special engine continued to make

6552-525: The U.S. automakers discontinued the body style from their lineups. American Motors stopped making convertibles after the 1968 model year, Chrysler after 1971, Ford after 1973, and most divisions of General Motors after 1975. Cadillac held out until 1976, when they made about 14,000. The last 200 had a red, white, and blue motif and a dashboard plaque. The very last was offered to the Smithsonian Institution, whose trustees turned it down as it

6669-680: The United States at that time. These roadsters included the MG Midget and Triumph Roadster . The convertible design was incorporated into the mass market unibody by Hudson in 1948. United States automakers manufactured a broad range of convertible models during the 1950s and 1960s – from economical compact-sized models such as the Rambler American and the Studebaker Lark , to the more expensive models, such as

6786-518: The ability to provide a roof when required. A potential drawback of convertibles is their reduced structural rigidity (requiring significant engineering and modification to counteract the side effects of almost completely removing a car's roof). The majority of convertible roofs are of a folding construction framework with the actual top made from cloth or other fabric. Other types of convertible roofs include retractable hardtops (often constructed from metal or plastic) and detachable hardtops (where

6903-470: The appealing Sedanet fastback style that had been the sensation of 1941 on Century and Special . New wider and lower bodies were offered and "Airfoil" front fenders that flowed into the lines of the rear fenders were introduced on convertibles and sedanet models. The Super had new front fender trim featuring parallel chrome strips. Also featured for 1942 was a handsome new grille with a lower outline and thin vertical strips. A feature shared with other Buicks

7020-481: The automobile as functional art." The final first-generation LaCrosse was manufactured on December 23, 2008. North American sales reached roughly 290,000 for model years 2005–2009, and the 2009 model was the last GM car using the company's noted and long-lived 3800 V6 engine. The LaCrosse received a facelift for 2008 with the vehicle's revised front design based on the Buick Velite concept and later used by

7137-660: The back glass although the windshield was now curved one-piece glass. Models also could be equipped with an AM radio and an antenna that could be adjusted via a knob in the front center above the windshield. In the June 1953 Popular Mechanics , acceleration was rated at 0-60 mph in 14.5 seconds due to the languid nature of the Dynaflow transmission. The Super set an all time record of 251,883 sold. In 1951 Supers had larger bodies than Specials but looked similar with three rounded VentiPorts per fender, broad bright fender shields and

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7254-557: The best-selling convertible with over 1 million cars sold. Also in 1989, Toyota released the Toyota Soarer Aerocabin, which uses an electrically operated retractable hardtop roof. A total of 500 were produced. Models dedicated to the convertible body style include the Mazda MX-5 , Porsche Boxster , and Opel Cascada . A "soft top" is made from a flexible textile material: Other materials are also used in

7371-401: The bumper guard crossbar. The car was a bit lower than in 1947 rolling on new 7.60 x 15 tires mounted on wheels with trim rings and small hubcaps. Super script was also found on the center crest of a new black Tenite steering wheel. New cloth interiors featured leatherette scuff pads and trim risers. The instrument panel was redone, using silver-tone instruments on a two-tone gray panel. The sedan

7488-407: The cabrio coach is the 2003-10 C3 Pluriel , which has a roof with five possible configurations. Fixed-profile: In contrast to convertibles where the entire bodywork above the beltline (doors, roof, side pillars, side bodywork) is replaced with a folding or retractable roof, the fixed profile convertible retains portions of fixed bodywork including the doors, side pillars, and side elements of

7605-489: The car's global marketing. GM Canada has offered existing Allure owners the option to change nameplates to LaCrosse. The Alpheon was a localized version of the Buick LaCrosse for the South Korean market. Alpheon was a standalone brand from GM Korea . The cars were additionally fitted with amenities such as controls in the rear armrest, mood lights and more. A version of the vehicle (with 3.0L V6 engine mated to

7722-489: The changes under the hood were major. The compression ratio was raised from 6.15:1 to 7.0:1, the "turbulator" pistons were redesigned, smaller spark plugs were substituted for the previous type and “Compound Carburetion” was introduced, as it was on all Buicks except for the Special. Compound Carburetion was the forerunner of the modern four-barrel carburetor, and consisted of twin two-barrel carburetors. One unit operated all of

7839-477: The console integrating with the upper instrument panel. At extra cost, a six-passenger configuration was available where the front seats shared a center flexible console that could fold up for a sixth passenger or fold out to provide a storage console, the transmission using a column-mounted shifter. Regarding its styling, noted automotive journalist Warren Brown described the Lacrosse as a "delightful rendition of

7956-420: The convertible top. By 1955, the most popular materials were latex and butyl rubber fabrics that each accounted for around 35% of the convertible top's weight, with others included vinyl (12%), jute (8%), along with rayon and acrylic fibers (Orlon), amounting to about 1% each in the compositions. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material was used for many convertible tops. The material consists of two layers:

8073-425: The convertible which featured leather seats. Standard Super equipment included trip mileage indicator, electric clock and, on convertibles, a power horizontal seat adjuster. Super sales rose to 132,463. In 1956 although the Super was larger Buick, with vertical windshield posts and four VentiPorts per fender, it had a deep Sweepspear similar to the smaller Series 40 Special and Series 60 Century cars. Series script

8190-460: The convertible, outside left-hand rearview mirror. The 4-door pillared sedan body style was gone. Engine displacement was increased to 364 cu in (6.0 L) on the Nailhead V8 . Nevertheless, sales fell to 70,250, the lowest level with the exception of the abbreviated 1942 model year. The once most popular Buick line was reduced to two body styles for 1958 with the elimination of

8307-438: The deck emblem. The side Sweepspear was unchanged from 1954. The larger bodied Buicks were readily identified by their more rounded contours, straight up windshield pillars and sedan rear quarter windows. Series 50 Super and 70 Roadmaster headlamp bezels also housed parking lights. Inside, a new Red Liner speedometer lay horizontally across the instrument panel. Interiors were trimmed in nylon/" Cordaveen " combinations, except for

8424-464: The discontinued LaSalle Series 50 when that product line was cancelled. When combined with a column mounted shift lever the cars offered true six passenger comfort. Five body styles, including an all-new Estate station wagon , were offered with standard Bedford cord in contrasting two-tone tan upholstery, with listed prices starting with US$ 1,058 ($ 23,010 in 2023 dollars ) for the 2-door, 4-passenger Sport Coupe to US$ 1,549 ($ 33,688 in 2023 dollars ) for

8541-511: The engine hood and trunk lid. For the 2009 model year, the last of the first generation, heated outside rearview mirrors became standard on all models; a 60/40 split folding rear seat added to Driver Confidence Package; navigation became available via OnStar; Bluetooth became available on all models with includes integrated steering wheel controls; 16-inch painted aluminum wheel were standard on CX models and 17-inch chrome-clad wheels became available on CX models. To coincide its introduction with

8658-475: The engine was increased again and now it was up to 86 bhp, and in 1934, the model power increased to 88 hp. Buick re-introduced the Series 40 , which once again became the entry-level model. In 1935 the Series 50 remained unchanged and the following year went out of production, having produced 127,416 examples. When introduced in 1940 the new Series 50 Super shared the Art Deco "torpedo" C-body with

8775-610: The entry-level model for Buick. All bodywork was provided by Fisher Body and the appearance originated from the GM Art and Color Section headed by Harley Earl was now used across all GM products. Only two coachwork choices were available leaving the choice between a coupe or sedan listed at US$ 1,540 ($ 28,088 in 2023 dollars ). In 1932 the straight eight engine displacement increased to 230.4 cu in (3,776 cc), producing 82.5 bhp, and closed coupes and sedans offered cloth interiors, offering mohair upholstery. Buick offered

8892-467: The first generation Chinese LaCrosse. All trim levels received a chrome exterior appearance package, factory remote start feature, XM Satellite Radio, telescoping steering wheel column, redundant steering wheel and climate control as added standard equipment (audio only post-MY 2006). CX included a leather-wrapped steering wheel, theft-deterrent system, illuminated vanity mirrors, driver information center personalization, and hydraulic struts supporting both

9009-731: The first generation's MY 2008 facelift, Buick previewed the LaCrosse Super in March, 2006 in New York and again at the Buick Open in Grand Blanc, Michigan, in July 2006, presenting it formally at the 2007 New York International Auto Show —as a higher-content, higher-performance, and more exclusive LaCrosse sub-model. Resurrecting the Super nameplate from Buick's 1930s–1950s model ,

9126-402: The flames from the exhaust stack of a fighter airplane. Combined with the gunsight mascot hood ornament, VentiPorts put the driver at the controls of an imaginary fighter airplane. Upon seeing this, Buick chief Harlow Curtice was so delighted that he ordered that (non-lighting) VentiPorts be installed on all 1949 Buicks. "Super" script was found just above the full length body fender molding on

9243-407: The following ratings based on numerous reviews of the models years, also for the 2016 model year. Results of the analysis were given on a scale of 1 to 10, where a higher number indicates positive reception. The overall result for the 2016 model year was 8.7, critics' rating 8.8, performance 8.1, interior 8.4, and safety 9.7. The 2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS was the first North American car to incorporate

9360-403: The front fenders. New fender edge taillamps were featured while rear fender skins remained a Buick standard. New fender top parking lamps, harkening back to 1941 styling appeared. Full wheel trim discs were standard along with such features as a cigar lighter, ashtray, and automatic choke. Cloth interiors were standard, except on the convertible which was trimmed in leather and leatherette and had

9477-399: The frontal ensemble. Single stainless body trim lines began on the front fenders and ended at the rear edge of the standard rear wheelhouse shields. Standard equipment included an automatic choke, clock, ash receiver, turn signals and a painted woodgrain instrument panels. Exterior series identification was found on the crossbar between the bumper guards front and rear. Cloisonne emblems carried

9594-455: The full length lower bodyside moldings. A new body style was a 2-door Riviera hardtop . Another new bodystyle was a long wheelbase sedan which was stretched an extra four inches (102 mm) and featured plusher interior than most Supers, which normally had cloth interiors of finer material than the Special. Supers had three VentiPorts on each hoodside. The convertible had leather power seats plus power windows and top. The 1950 Super came with

9711-593: The grille and deck emblems. Four VentiPorts were used on each front fender upgrading its trim status to senior level. Closed models were upholstered in Nylon/"Cordaveen" combinations while the convertible had an all-"Cordaveen" interior and featured power windows and seat controls as part of its equipment. Standard Super equipment included foam rubber seat cushions, automatic trunk lamp, Red Liner speedometer, glovebox lamp, dual horns, trip mileage indicator, directional signals, dual sunshades, color coordinated dash panel, and on

9828-547: The introduction of the Marquette Companion brand as a junior brand to Buick, all Buicks were repositioned upmarket as junior luxury brands to Cadillac, while priced more modestly to the Cadillac junior brand LaSalle . Optionally, the model was equipped with the new 220.7 cu in (3,617 cc) Buick Straight-8 engine and 77 hp. With the temporary disappearance of the Series 40 , Series 50 became

9945-506: The key fob (remote keyless entry) or a touch sensor between the trunk lid and the license plate. The 2011 model added a remote release button at the left of the steering wheel on the instrument panel. The 2014 model refresh returned the trunk release button to LaCrosse but placed it on the driver door. The 2012 LaCrosse features a new mild hybrid as its base model. Dubbed eAssist , the 2012 LaCrosse introduced GM's second-generation belted-alternator starter system. The non-hybrid 4-cylinder

10062-408: The larger displacement Roadmaster engine, while all Buicks used the same 3-speed manual transmission. The new Super temporarily shared its 121.0 in (3,073 mm) wheelbase dimension with the 40 Special. Initially four body styles were offered: a 2-door coupe, a 2-door convertible , a 4-door sedan and a 4-door convertible. In the middle of the model year a 4-door Estate wagon was added which

10179-481: The list of vehicles approved for government procurement. Though popular among government officials, the LaCrosse also thrived via private purchases. Buick unveiled a revised 2014 LaCrosse at the 2013 New York Auto Show . Redesigned front and rear fascias, new wheel designs, a reconfigurable eight-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster, semi-aniline leather seating, and radar- and camera-based safety features such as forward collision alert and side blind zone alert are among

10296-495: The mainstream market. By the mid 1930s, the remaining small number of convertibles sold were high-priced luxury models. In 1939, Plymouth introduced the first mechanically operated convertible roof powered by two vacuum cylinders. Demand for convertibles increased as a result of American soldiers in France and the United Kingdom during World War II familiarizing themselves with small roadster cars, which were not available in

10413-604: The model featured minor interior and exterior tweaks as well as a 5.3-liter, 300-hp V8 engine shared with the Pontiac Grand Prix GXP and Chevrolet Impala SS , and Monte Carlo SS —engineered under the direction of former Corvette engineer John Heinricy with the GM Performance Division . Noting that the Super would share parts with Chevrolet and Pontiac variants, Heinricy said the LaCrosse aimed to balance performance and refinement for

10530-406: The more expensive car's horizontal speedometer instrument panel. The convertible was upholstered in leather and had power-operated windows, seat and top, along with an outside rearview mirror on the left, as standard equipment. New features included a lighted ignition key slot, electric windows, and a roof rail cover. The Estate wagon was discontinued. Total sales fell to 118,630. Air conditioning

10647-593: The most notable changes for this mid-cycle refresh . For 2016, the LaCrosse added a new Sport Touring Edition which included unique 18" aluminum black pocket wheels, and a rear lip spoiler. Production of North American models moved from Oshawa to the Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas City, Kansas , where it ran down the same production line as the Chevrolet Malibu . Delivery of 2010 models

10764-437: The open body style. Noise, leaks, and repairs associated with fabric tops also contributed to issues that many customers had. The popularity of convertibles was reduced by the increased travel speeds on roads (resulting in more wind and noise for occupants) and the emergence of more comprehensive vehicle crash safety standards in the United States. The market share of convertibles fell to two or three percent of total sales and

10881-402: The regular wheelbase sedan were cancelled. Sales fell to 135,332. In 1953 Buick's middle priced line shared the Roadmaster's new V8 and, for this year the Roadmaster shared the Super and Special's 121.5 in (3,086 mm) wheelbase. The Super earned a horizontal trim bar on its rear fenders which distinguished it from the Series 70 Roadmasters. Otherwise its side trim bar on its rear fenders

10998-446: The roof — while a center fabric portion slides back and accordions at the rear. As an example, Citroën 's 1948 Citroën 2CV featured rigid bodysides and two doors on each side, along with a sunroof that rolled back on itself and extended to the rear bumper in place of a separate trunk lid. Other fixed-profile convertibles include the 1957 Autobianchi Bianchina Trasformabile , 1957 Vespa 400 , 1950 Nash Rambler Landau Convertible Coupe,

11115-653: The second-highest fatality rate in the large four-door car class; only the Buick Lucerne fared worse. Shanghai GM introduced the Buick LaCrosse in February 2006, as a more upscale companion to its Buick Regal sedan. Designed by Shanghai GM's Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center ( PATAC ), the Chinese LaCrosse is based on the same architecture as the North American model, with different exterior sheetmetal, interior design and available engines. The car

11232-432: The side-impact crash test include a Poor mark for the driver's torso and a Marginal score for the driver's pelvis and leg. Side airbags are limited to the curtain type for both front and rear rows; the torso-type side airbag is unavailable. 2007 models also earned one out of five stars in a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration side-impact crash test. The IIHS also found that the 2006–08 model year LaCrosse had

11349-425: The system included acoustical windshield and front side laminated glass; steel laminate on the front-of-dash body area; expanded baffles in the roof pillars; melt-on sound deadeners throughout the entire lower body structure; and sound-absorbing material throughout the engine, passenger, and cargo compartments. Buick offered the LaCrosse as a five-passenger sedan, using front bucket seats and a console-mounted shifter,

11466-422: The third generation, with model year 2019; however, it continued to be offered in China, with a 2019 facelift. The fourth-generation LaCrosse, launched in 2023, is currently manufactured and marketed solely in China. It is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter or 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. In 2000, Buick showcased a LaCrosse concept featuring styling features that referred to Buicks of the late 1940s including

11583-568: The time, while the other operated only under hard acceleration. The new engine delivered 125 horsepower. All cars available with a choice of axle ratios and with two-tone color combinations with 19 selections at no extra charge. A new feature was a two-way hood that could be opened from either side. The 4-door convertible and the Estate wagon were gone but a new one year only body style was a 3-passenger 2-door Business Coupe which sold 2449 units. Overall sales fell to 92,067. The 1942 Super coupes adopted

11700-798: The vehicle when not in use, requiring a garage or other storage facility. Some open cars continue to offer it as an option. For example, the Mazda MX-5 has an accessory hardtop, which is compulsory for some auto racing series. A retractable hardtop — also known as "coupé convertible" or "coupé cabriolet" — is a car with an automatically operated, self-storing hardtop (as opposed to the textile-based roof used by traditional convertibles). The benefits of improved climate control and security are traded off against increased mechanical complexity, cost, weight, and often reduced luggage capacity. Folding textile convertible tops often fail to completely hide their internal mechanism or can expose their vulnerable underside to sun exposure and fading. A tonneau cover provides

11817-422: Was a near copy year for 1952. Chromed rear fender fins gave distinction to 1952 Supers. Interiors were cloth except on convertibles and Estate wagons which were trimmed with leather. The Super used a different instrument panel than the Special. It was distinguished by a large center speedometer housing flanked by smaller gauge housings. Series identification was found within the steering wheel center. The Sedanet and

11934-474: Was a new interior air intake positioned near the front center grille that eliminated the old cowl-level ventilator. The number of body styles was reduced to three with the elimination of the one year only Business coupe. After the government prohibited the use of chrome on January 1, 1942 a number of body styles were dropped and most trim was now painted. Cast iron pistons were used in the 248 cu in (4.1 L) Fireball straight-eight engine . The last of

12051-418: Was a new option. A total of 190,514 Supers were sold. Using the new longer General Motors C-body , with vertical windshield pillars and the new "Panoramic" curved windshield, the Super for 1954 was a big Buick for the budget minded buyer. Identified by its three VentiPorts per fender, the "Super" script on the quarters and the series designation within the deck ornament, the Super shared other brightwork with

12168-417: Was a popular addition for the 1930s Ford convertibles or roadsters because it turned these models into an almost instant hardtop. The design mimicked a convertible top, but lacking the bulky folding mechanisms enabled the removable hardtop to have a much lower and more rakish profile. Improvements in canvas tops have rendered the detachable hard roof less common in part because the top cannot be stored inside

12285-587: Was available at extra cost. Sales fell further to 42,388, the lowest with the exception of the wartime 1942 model year. The Super name was resurrected after a 50 year absence as a new performance trim level on LaCrosse (2008-2009) and Lucerne (2008-2011) models. The LaCrosse Super was powered by a 300 horsepower 5.3 L small-block V8 engine while the Lucerne Super had a 292 horsepower 4.6 L Northstar V8 engine. Both came with high levels of standard equipment. Buick LaCrosse The Buick LaCrosse

12402-452: Was carpeted in the rear with a carpet insert also found in the front rubber mat. The convertible also featured cloth and leather interior trim with power top, seat and windows standard. Total sales were 108,521. The Super shared a new General Motors C-body with the Roadmaster but on a shorter wheelbase. It featured three chrome VentiPorts on each front fender to denote its smaller displacement straight-eight engine when compared with

12519-506: Was completely redesigned, becoming Buick's flagship sedan. The exterior used faux vents and a falling swage line , marketed respectively as VentiPorts and Sweepspears —and making reference to styling elements Buick had incorporated in various forms since introducing them in 1949. The second-generation used a long-wheelbase (LWB) variant of the Epsilon II platform, shared with the Opel Insignia , 2010–2012 Saab 9-5 , and

12636-441: Was delayed a few weeks in order to assure quality control. Production for China started a month later. Convertible (car) A convertible or cabriolet ( / ˌ k æ b r i oʊ ˈ l eɪ / ) is a passenger car that can be driven with or without a roof in place. The methods of retracting and storing the roof vary across eras and manufacturers. A convertible car's design allows an open-air driving experience, with

12753-511: Was exclusive to the Super. Interiors of Bedford cord (either tan or gray) were offered. The engine was the same 248 cu in (4.1 L) 107 hp Fireball I8 as used on the Special which was equipped with an oil filter. The Super was equipped with sealed beam headlights and with Fore-N-Aft Flash-Way directionals. 1940 was the only year the Super could be equipped with sidemount spare tires. A total of 128,736 units were sold in its first year. The styling changes for 1941 were modest, but

12870-622: Was found on rear quarters and within the deck and grille emblems. Interiors were "Cordaveen" and patterned nylon, except for convertibles which were all-"Cordaveen" trimmed and had power windows, horizontal seat adjustment(Six-way power seats were optional), and a power top in its standard form. Dynaflow was now standard on all Supers, along with foam seat cushions, a trunk light, electric clock, directional signals, front and rear armrests, sliding sunshades, cigarette lighter, glove compartment light, map light, dual horns, Step-On parking brake, Red Liner speedometer and trip mileage indicator. A new body style

12987-407: Was found on the crossbars between the standard bumper guards. A chrome emblem was used with the series script embossed and filled with red. Sales reached a record 159,588. The height was 64.9 inches. Brakes were 12 inch drums. The main external change to the 1948 Super from its 1947 counterpart was the "Super" script on each front fender. Other series identification continued to be earned on

13104-477: Was identical although the Super was had only three VentiPorts on each front fender. Series identification was found on the deck emblem. Full wheelcovers were now standard. The vee in the bombsight ornament signified the V8 power under the hood. Interiors in most models were nylon and silky broadcloth. The convertible had power windows, seat and top as standard equipment. Dynaflow was now standard equipment. Air conditioning

13221-487: Was named the Riviera sedan although it was not a hardtop. Supers were trimmed with materials similar to Special Deluxes except for in the plush Super Riviera sedan. Front turn signals were within the bumper guard "bombs," while rear signals shared the stop lamps' housing on the rear fender edges. The convertibles and Estate wagon were trimmed in leather. 169,226 Supers were sold. In 1952 Buick's mid-priced line resembled

13338-435: Was no longer offered. The system consists of a 115-volt lithium-ion battery pack, a 15  kW electric motor capable of adding 15 horsepower of assist while accelerating, and the next-generation 6T40 GM Hydra-Matic transmission with reduced friction components over the previous generation. The eAssist LaCrosse delivers a class leading fuel economy of 25 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. In addition to providing additional power to

13455-554: Was not at that moment a historic artifact, "Though it might well be in three generations ... or at the Tricentennial." After the last Cadillac Eldorado convertible was made in 1976, the only factory convertibles sold in the United States were imported. Making convertibles on the assembly line was both expensive and time-consuming, thus not worth the problems needed to sell the limited number of cars. Specialized coachbuilders were contracted to make dealer-available cars such as

13572-415: Was provided by Frigidaire optionally on sedans and hardtops, which consisted of a self contained unit that was retrofitted at the customers request. In 1955 Buick's popular Super continued to combine the large C-body interior expanse with medium bracket interiors and performance. Supers had four of the new round VentiPorts per fender this year, with additional series script found on rear quarters and within

13689-403: Was the 4-door Riviera hardtop . Sales of the Super fell to 80,998. The Super used the new General Motors C-body for 1957. Larger than the Series 40 Special and Series 60 Century B-body , the Riviera body styles had different roof treatments as well. Supers had a group of three Chevrons on each rear quarter or door for series identification, in addition to the normal wording within

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